[Korea Tour Guide] Seoul - Cheonggyecheon Stream & Cheonggye Plaza (청계천 & 청계광장)

Chenggyecheon Stream

Until it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life.

Narae Bridge, representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges that cross the stream. The Rhythmic Wall Stream, lined with fine marble and sculptures, and Palseokdam adorn Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisure stroll along the stream.

Cheonggye Plaza

Cheonggye Plaza roughly covers an area of 2,500 square meters, and is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The square, created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), features the elegant beauty of traditional stonework that is colorful yet refined. The plaza also includes a model of Cheonggyecheon that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the formerly restored Cheonggyecheon Stream. At the plaza, there are plaques that provide detailed commentaries on the 22 bridges that span the stream, as well as a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area. The area commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, and also symbolizes gathering, harmony, peace, and unity.

After the completion of Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area as a vehicle-free zone on holidays, providing more leisure space for pedestrians. Since then, the waterfront areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the surrounding streets have become popular places for those seeking refreshment and a variety of cultural experiences. A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronicity of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces.

Cheonggye Plaza never goes to sleep; visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water even at night.

Zip: 100-101
Phone: + 82-2-2290-6803 + 82-2-2290-6859,
+ 82-2-2290-6807 + 82-2-2290-7111
Website: www.cheonggyecheon.or.kr
(Korean, English)
Address: Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Directions: Cheonggyecheon Stream
[Subway]
 - City Hall, Jonggak, Jongno 3 (sam) -ga, Jongno 5 (o) -ga, Dongdaemun, Sinseol-dong Stations (Seoul Subway Line 1)
 - City Hall, Euljiro 1 (il)-ga, Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga, Euljiro 4 (sa)-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni Stations (Seoul Subway Line 2)
- Jongno 3 (sam) -ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3 and 5)
 - Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4)
 - Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5)

[Bus]
Take any bus bound for Gwanghwamun or Jongno.

Cheonggye Plaza
[Subway]
 - Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5
 - City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 2), Exit 4

Contact and Information: • 1330 Travel Hotline: + 82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: + 82-2-2290-6803,
+ 82-2-2290-6859 + 82-2-2290-6807
+ 82-2-2290-7111

Day off: N / A (Open all year round)

Experience Information: * Ecology exploration, hands-on programs run all year round.
 * Covered Structure Exploration - Exploration the inside of covered structures at Cheonggyecheon Stream (10 min with guide)
 - Venue: 50m from Samilgyo Bridge at Cheonggycheon 2-ga

Parking: Use nearby parking lots